1 Pet. 4 1 Pet. 4:1–6 The apostle exhorteth to cease from sin, in regard of Christ’s having suffered for it, and of a future judgment. 1 Pet. 4:7 From the approaching end of all things, he urgeth to sobriety, watchfulness, a prayer, 1 Pet. 4:8 to charity, 1 Pet. 4:9 hospitality, 1 Pet.

The apostle having in the former chapter exhorted believers to patient bearing of afflictions by the example of Christ, 1 Pet. 4:18, proceeds in this to persuade them to improve the crosses they bore outwardly to inward mortification.

In the flesh; i.e. in the body, meaning his natural life: flesh is here taken in a third sense, different from the two former: so Gal. 2:20, Phil. 1:22.

For the time past of our be may see: the apostle doth not mean by this expression merely that they should forbear their former lusts out of a satiety and weariness, as having had their fill of them, but to stir them up to holiness by minding them of their former sinful life; q.d.

Wherein they think it strange: Greek, are strangers, i.e. carry themselves as strangers, wondering (as at some new thing) at the change the gospel hath made in you, and your no more conforming yourselves to their wicked courses; they seem to be in another world when among you.

Who shall give account to him; of their evil speaking as well as of other sins, Jude 15; it is a metaphor taken from stewards giving account to their masters, Matt. 18:23;Luke 16:2. That is ready; not only prepared for it, but at hand to do it, James 5:9.

To them that are dead; either: 1. Spiritually dead, i.e. dead in sin, viz. then when the gospel was preached to them; or: 2. Naturally dead, viz. when the apostle wrote this Epistle.

But the end of all things: the last judgment, which will put an end to all the evils as well as good things of this world. Is at hand: see James 5:8–9. Be ye therefore sober; both in mind, prudent, moderate, 2 Cor. 5:13, Titus 2:6; and in body, temperate in meats and drinks, &c.

And above all things: see the like expression, James 5:12, and on the same occasion, Col. 3:14. Have fervent charity; not only labour after charity diligently and carefully, but let it be fervent, intense, strong.

Use hospitality; Christian hospitality in entertaining strangers, those especially that are brought to need your kindness by suffering for the gospel. Without grudging; or murmuring, either at the expense you make, or the carriage of those ye entertain; q.d.

As every man hath received the gift; any gift, office, faculty, or ability, whereby he may be serviceable to the good of others, all which are received of God, 1 Cor. 12:11, Eph. 4:7.

If any man speak; viz. authoritatively, and by way of office, as a public teacher in the church; though this may be accommodated to private Christians in their charitative instructions of others, yet it seems especially meant of teaching officers.

Think it not strange; be not offended or troubled at persecution, as at a thing unusual or never heard of; it implies that they should reckon upon it beforehand, that they might not be surprised with it when it comes. The same word is used, 1 Pet. 4:4.

But rejoice; be so far from being offended at your sufferings, as rather to reckon that there is great matter of rejoicing in them; their being trials makes them tolerable, but your being in them partakers of Christ’s sufferings makes them comfortable.

Happy are ye; viz. because of the Spirit’s dwelling in you, which is both the means and evidence of your happiness. The spirit of glory and of God; i.e.

But let noise of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief: keep clear of those crimes which may expose you to suffering by the hand of justice, and carry yourselves so innocently, that you may never suffer from men but unjustly.

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian; if his Christianity be his only crime, and the cause of his sufferings. Let him not be ashamed: see 2 Tim. 2:12. But let him glorify God on this behalf; i.e.

For the time is come; or season, viz. that which is fixed by God: the afflictions that befall God’s people come in the time appointed, and so are never unseasonable. Or this may imply, that what the prophets spoke in their time, Isa. 10:12, Jer. 25:29, doth especially agree to gospel times, viz.

Scarcely be saved; with much labour and difficulty, through many tribulations, Acts 14:22, as going in the narrow way, and entering in at the strait gate, Matt. 7:13–14.

Let them that suffer; viz. any manner of affliction or persecution for righteousness’ sake. According to the will of God; according to that will of God, whereby he hath appointed them to suffer such things, 1 Pet. 3:17, 1 Thess. 3:3.